Otele's versatility has made him an attractive option for several clubs. Although naturally a left winger, he can also play on the right or operate as a centre-forward, giving coaches several attacking options.

Otele: Journey across Europe and Super Eagles progress

Otele started with Teesside University and non-league side Wolviston FC in England before earning his first professional contract with Kauno Žalgiris in Lithuania in 2019.

He later impressed in Romania with UTA Arad before enjoying a breakthrough campaign at CFR Cluj, where he scored 18 league goals during the 2023-24 season to finish as the Liga I joint top scorer.

His performances earned moves to Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates and then FC Basel, where he rediscovered his best form by scoring nine goals in his first 18 matches and helping the Swiss club win the league title.

In February 2026, he joined Hamburger SV on loan in the Bundesliga. He scored once in nine appearances, becoming the first Nigerian to score a Bundesliga goal for the German club. Hamburg chose not to trigger their €4.5 million purchase option, sending him back to Basel at the end of the campaign.

On the international stage, Otele has won five caps for Nigeria since making his debut in a 2-2 draw against Jordan. He registered his first assist for the Super Eagles during the 3-0 Unity Cup victory over Jamaica before featuring in friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

His appearance as a late substitute in Nigeria's 2-1 defeat to Portugal marked the first loss of his international career, but it has done little to reduce interest in him.

Emegha was born to a Togolese-French father and a Nigerian mother, making him eligible to represent the Super Eagles at international level. However, after featuring for the Netherlands at youth level, he eventually committed his international future to the Dutch senior team, making his debut in 2025.

The 23-year-old joined Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg in 2023 after an impressive spell with Austrian side Sturm Graz. During his time in Austria, he played a key role in the club's Austrian Cup triumph in the 2022-23 season before sealing his move to France.

Since arriving at Strasbourg, Emegha has continued to develop into one of the club's most important players. Following the departure of Habib Diarra to Premier League side Sunderland last season, he was handed the captain's armband.

Now, reports can confirm that Emegha has followed a similar path by completing his move to Chelsea after making 78 appearances in all competitions for Strasbourg, scoring 31 goals.

Emegha: Striker with Nigerian root begins new chapter with Chelsea

With his move to Chelsea now official, Emegha will begin the next chapter of his promising career and will hope to continue the impressive progress he has made over the last few seasons.

The Dutch international established himself as one of Strasbourg's standout performers. Although an agreement for his transfer was reached in 2025, the move has now been officially completed as Chelsea continue their squad overhaul under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea endured a disappointing campaign last season, finishing 10th in the Premier League after another turbulent year that saw multiple managerial changes. The club have now turned to Alonso as they begin another rebuilding phase.

Emegha joins the Blues for an undisclosed fee and will compete with Liam Delap, João Pedro and Nicolas Jackson for a starting place in attack.

He becomes part of Chelsea's busy summer transfer window, which has also brought in Valentín Barco, Morgan Rogers, Marco Palestra, Dastan Satpaev, Geovany Quenda, Maxence Lacroix and Danny Welbeck, while a move for Jordan Henderson is also close to completion.

One of Emegha's biggest strengths is his versatility and that could really help him stake a regular spot in the Chelsea squad next season. Although he is primarily a centre forward, he is also capable of operating on the left wing.

He often drifts into wide areas during matches, stretching opposition defences and creating space for his teammates with his movement.

The 23-year-old will now be aiming to earn regular playing time at Stamford Bridge and establish himself as an important player for Chelsea in the seasons ahead.

CAF confirmed yesterday that every club eliminated in the preliminary rounds of the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will receive $100,000 as solidarity funding. At the current exchange rate, that amounts to roughly ₦136 million per club.

The new initiative means Nigeria's four representatives: Enugu Rangers, Rivers United, Shooting Stars (3SC), and El-Kanemi Warriors, are guaranteed a financial cushion even before kicking a ball in continental competition.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

CAF introduces financial safety net

The announcement came ahead of the preliminary round draws, scheduled for Thursday, August 6, at CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

The CAF Confederation Cup draw will take place first before the CAF Champions League fixtures are determined later the same day, scheduled for an hour after.

After $50,000 was initially issued in 2024 as compensation for the eliminated teams, that fee has now doubled. Before 2024, there was little to no pay for teams that exited the tournament in the qualification phase.

Now, CAF will award each eliminated club $100k as part of what it described as its continued investment in supporting participating clubs and strengthening African club football.

The move represents a major shift from previous seasons, when early elimination often meant clubs absorbed heavy travel and logistical expenses with very little financial return.

What it means for the NPFL representatives

Nigeria will have four clubs competing across the two CAF competitions this season. Enugu Rangers qualified for the CAF Champions League after winning the NPFL title, while Rivers United secured the country's second slot by finishing as runners-up.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars earned qualification after finishing third in the NPFL, with El-Kanemi Warriors booking their place by lifting the President Federation Cup.

While every club will naturally target a place in the group stage and beyond, the new solidarity payment guarantees a minimum financial return should their continental journey end at the preliminary stage.

For clubs operating on tight budgets, the funding will help in offsetting travel costs, player welfare expenses and operational commitments throughout the campaign.

Bigger prizes still on offer

Beyond the solidarity payment, CAF also reaffirmed the increased prize money available to clubs that progress into the latter stages of the competitions.

The winners of the CAF Champions League will receive $6 million, while the CAF Confederation Cup champions will pocket $4 million.

Those figures continue CAF's drive to make African club football more financially rewarding while encouraging greater competitiveness across the continent.

For Rangers, Rivers United, Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors, the immediate focus is Thursday's draw, but regardless of who they face, each club now has the reassurance of a guaranteed financial reward of ₦136 million.

Tottenham's urgency has increased because of uncertainty surrounding Richarlison's future, with the club keen to bring in a proven goalscorer capable of leading the attack.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Atlético Madrid are also keeping a close watch on Osimhen's situation, but Tottenham now appear to have received an important boost.

Osimhen rejects Galatasaray captaincy offer

Galatasaray had hoped to convince Osimhen to stay by offering him the club's permanent captaincy for the 2026-27 season following Mauro Icardi's departure.

However, the Nigeria international reportedly rejected the proposal because he did not want to commit his long-term future to the Turkish champions while Premier League opportunities remain available.

According to Turkish journalist Savas Corlu, “From what I've heard, Osimhen didn't accept the role of first captain at Galatasaray.”

The decision is reflected in a notable incident during Galatasaray's 3-3 pre-season draw against French club Rennes at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex RAMS Park on Sunday.

Osimhen had already given Galatasaray the lead when he powered home a header from Gabriel Sara's corner.

Later in the match, regular captain Abdülkerim Bardakcı was substituted in the 74th minute and handed the captain's armband to Osimhen before leaving the pitch.

Instead of putting it on, Osimhen immediately walked over to Yunus Akgün and handed him the armband, suggesting the attacking midfielder should captain the team for the remainder of the game.

Akgün appeared surprised and tried to convince the Super Eagles striker to wear it, but Osimhen politely declined and insisted his teammate take the responsibility.

Interestingly, earlier this year, Osimhen also refused to wear the captain's armband after teammate İlkay Gündoğan tried to hand it to him during another match. At the time, he explained that his decision was based on humility and respect for more senior members of the squad.

Tottenham receive major encouragement

Osimhen's latest decision could be viewed as another sign that he remains focused on a move to the Premier League. Reports claim the striker has instructed his representatives to prioritise talks with English clubs. It is a stance that could strengthen Tottenham's hopes of completing a deal.

The striker has reportedly already given the green light to discussions over a move to North London and is said to be excited by the opportunity to work under De Zerbi. If Tottenham can reach an agreement with Galatasaray over the transfer fee, personal terms are not expected to delay negotiations.

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has previously made it clear that he wanted Osimhen to become one of the club's captains following Icardi's exit, but the Nigerian forward's latest actions suggest his focus remains firmly on securing his long-awaited move to the Premier League.

With Fulham unable to reach an agreement, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Italian side Napoli have continued to be linked, hoping they could still enter the race if circumstances change.

Nwaiwu: Fulham fail as Trabzonspor stand firm

Trabzonspor have made it clear that they will not sell Nwaiwu unless a club is willing to pay between €30 million and €35 million. The Nigerian joined the Turkish club from Austrian side Wolfsberger AC in January 2026 for around €5.5 million. Since then, his value has risen sharply after an outstanding second half of the season.

Nwaiwu quickly became a regular starter and helped Trabzonspor win the Turkish Cup. He featured in 21 competitive matches, scoring three goals and providing one assist. His ability to play both as a central defender and as a defensive midfielder has increased his appeal.

Despite reports that Nwaiwu would welcome a move to the Premier League to strengthen his place in Nigeria's national team ahead of future international competitions, Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan insists the club has no intention of accepting below-market offers.

“The offers we received for Chibuike Nwaiwu were far below our expectations. Under these circumstances, we are absolutely not considering selling him,” Doğan said as per Gundem Artvin.

He also stressed that Trabzonspor have not received an offer close to their valuation for the Nigerian defender.

“The offers were insufficient, the player is staying with the team.”

Trabzonspor remain in complete control of the situation. Unless one of Fulham, Tottenham, Crystal Palace or Napoli meets the Turkish club's €30-35 million asking price, Nwaiwu looks set to continue his rise in the Turkish Super Lig while remaining a key player for both Trabzonspor and the Super Eagles.

​The versatile 27-year-old attacker spent last season on loan at German Bundesliga side Hamburger SV before returning to his parent club, Basel, at the conclusion of the campaign.

​With two years remaining on his contract, Otele has returned to Basel and featured regularly in their pre-season friendlies.

​Last week, reports emerged that Serie A side Lecce had expressed interest in acquiring him, though they have yet to reach an agreement with Basel.

Otele could prove to be a game-changer for the Italian club thanks to his impressive dribbling, explosive acceleration, and direct style of play. However, Lecce's hesitation in finalizing the transfer risks opening the door for rival suitors.

​Lampard's Former Club Eyes Philip Otele

​According to TransferFeed, English Championship side Derby County are strongly interested in Otele and have already opened talks with Basel regarding a potential deal.

​Valued at around €5 million by Basel, the Nigerian international represents a cost-effective option for a Championship club. It remains to be seen whether Derby will pursue a permanent transfer or a loan arrangement.

​Regardless of the structure, the Rams will need to move quickly in negotiations. Alongside Lecce, Birmingham City and Frosinone are also monitoring the five-cap Super Eagles star. Furthermore, with the transfer window closing at the beginning of next month, time is running out to secure reinforcements.

​Derby County have been absent from the Premier League since 2008, bouncing between the Championship and League One in the years since. Last season, they finished 8th in the Championship, missing out on a playoff spot by just four points. But adding a talent like Otele to their squad could give them the edge they need to push for promotion.

​The club has been managed by several football legends in recent years, including Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney, the latter of whom was at the helm when the club suffered relegation in 2022.

Although transfer spending in the NPFL is still low, compared to many African leagues, market values provide an indication of the quality, potential and depth within each squad.

Factors like the player age, recent performances, international experience and transfer potential all contribute to a club's overall valuation.

According to the latest figures from Transfermarkt drawn from last season, the combined market value of all 20 NPFL clubs stands at €30.40 million, with 822 registered players carrying an average market value of €37,000.

Perhaps surprisingly, former NPFL champions Remo Stars, who were eventually relegated last season, are one of the most valuable sides in Nigeria. Rivers United occupy one of the spots too.

NPFL's Most Valuable Clubs

10. Abia Warriors (€1.62 million)

Abia Warriors round off the top ten with a squad market value of €1.62 million.

The Umuahia-based side have quietly established themselves as one of the NPFL's most consistent clubs, with their smart player recruitment and steady player development rather than lavish spending.

With 41 registered players averaging €39,000 in market value, Abia Warriors continue to prove they can compete with some of Nigeria's traditional heavyweights while operating on a relatively modest budget.

9. Enyimba (€1.65 million)

Very few clubs in Nigeria's history can rival Enyimba's history.

The People's Elephant remain Nigeria's most decorated club, having won nine NPFL titles as well as back-to-back CAF Champions League crowns in 2003 and 2004.

However, despite their illustrious pedigree, their current squad ranks only ninth in market value at €1.65 million.

The Aba giants have a squad of 41 players with an average valuation of €40,000, suggesting that while the club remains competitive, they have shifted away from assembling some of the league's most expensive talent.

8. Plateau United (€1.68 million)

Former NPFL champions Plateau United continue to maintain one of the league's strongest squads.

Their 49-man roster — the largest among the clubs in the top ten — is valued at €1.68 million, with an average player worth €34,000.

The Jos-based club has consistently remained competitive over the last decade and continues to rely on squad depth rather than a handful of highly valued individuals.

7. Barau FC (€1.70 million)

Barau FC's presence among the NPFL's most valuable clubs is one of the biggest surprises in the rankings.

Despite being relative newcomers, the Kano-based side have assembled a squad valued at €1.70 million, spread across 46 players.

Their rapid rise shows the club's ambition as they look to establish itself among Nigerian football's elite.

6. Bendel Insurance (€1.73 million)

Bendel Insurance have steadily rebuilt their reputation since returning to the NPFL.

The Benin City club currently boasts a squad valued at €1.73 million, with 47 registered players averaging €37,000 each.

5. Shooting Stars (€1.75 million)

One of Nigeria's most historic clubs, Shooting Stars remain among the country's most valuable teams.

The Ibadan giants have a squad worth €1.75 million, while their average player valuation of €44,000 is among the highest in the NPFL.

They are backed by passionate supporters and a strong boardroom.

4. Remo Stars (€1.88 million)

Remo Stars just got relegated from the NPFL last season, but they have a worth €1.88 million as of the end of last season.

The Ikenne-based club has become one of Nigerian football's model organisations, earning praise for their investment in youth development, coaching and modern facilities.

Although they do not have the league's most expensive squad, their success shows that strong planning and continuity can often outweigh raw market value.

3. Ikorodu City (€2.02 million)

Ikorodu City's rise has been one of Nigerian football's biggest success stories.

The Lagos club boasts a squad valued at €2.02 million, making them the third-most valuable team in the NPFL.

Their 47-player squad averages €43,000 per player.

2. Rangers (€2.16 million)

Reigning champions Rangers sit just behind Rivers United with an overall squad value of €2.16 million.

The Flying Antelopes have only 36 players, yet their average player valuation stands at an impressive €60,000, second only to Rivers United.

That figure suggests Rangers place a premium on quality over quantity, with one of the league's strongest collections of individual talent.

1. Rivers United (€2.18 million)

Rivers United are officially the most valuable club in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The Port Harcourt club tops the rankings with a total squad valuation of €2.18 million, narrowly edging Rangers by €20,000.

What makes Rivers United's position even more impressive is that they achieved the highest valuation with just 34 players, the smallest squad among the top ten clubs.

Their average player value of €64,000 is comfortably the highest in the NPFL.

Over the last four years, they have consistently challenged for league honours and represented Nigeria in CAF inter-club competitions over recent seasons, Rivers United's valuation reflects their status as one of the country's strongest football projects.

The Young Stallions opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when they powered home a header from a well-worked corner kick, leaving the Flying Eagles chasing the game. Burkina Faso doubled their advantage 13 minutes later through a stunning free-kick from around 30 yards that flew beyond the Nigerian goalkeeper and into the net.

Nigeria pushed for a response after the break but could not find a way through Burkina Faso's organised defence. The defeat ended the Flying Eagles' unbeaten run in the tournament and meant they finished second in Group B with six points from three matches, while Burkina Faso claimed first place with seven points after two wins and one draw.

Flying Eagles now face unbeaten hosts with AFCON ticket at stake

Finishing as Group B runners-up has handed Nigeria a the tough semi-final matchup as they prepare to take on unbeaten hosts Côte d'Ivoire, who dominated Group A to finish as winners.

The Ivorians won both of their group matches to collect a perfect six points. They began their campaign with an emphatic 5-0 victory over Benin Republic before defeating Niger 2-0 to seal top spot. The hosts scored seven goals across those two matches without conceding once, as they displayed their strength at both ends of the pitch.

That sets up one of the biggest matches of the tournament between two of West Africa's strongest youth teams. While Côte d'Ivoire will rely on home support in Yamoussoukro, Nigeria will hope to rediscover the attacking form that saw them score seven goals in victories over Ghana and Togo earlier in the group stage.

The winner of the semi-final will not only advance to the WAFU B U-20 Championship final but will also secure qualification for the 2027 TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 27-year-old only joined Basel last summer from UAE Pro League club Al Wahda after previous spells in Romania and Lithuania. However, his stay in Switzerland was short-lived as he was sent on loan to newly promoted Bundesliga side Hamburg during the second half of the season.

Otele's future has remained uncertain since returning from Germany. Although Hamburg had the option to sign him permanently for €4.5 million, they decided against activating the clause despite his impressive contribution.

During his loan spell, Otele made nine Bundesliga appearances and etched his name into the club's history by becoming the first Nigerian to score for the club in the Bundesliga.

Since returning to Basel, Otele has featured in the club's opening two matches of the 2026-27 Swiss Super League campaign. However, speculation over his future has continued, with a move away from the club looking increasingly likely.

Philip Otele: Lecce close in on transfer agreement for Super Eagles forward

According to reports from Nicolo Schira, Lecce are very close to reaching an agreement with Basel for the signing of the Super Eagles winger, with the Serie A club are keen to complete the deal before the start of the new season.

Lecce are looking to strengthen their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season. They finished 17th in Serie A and scored just 28 league goals – the third-lowest tally in the division.

Strengthening their attacking options has become a priority this summer, and Otele has emerged as one of their main targets as they look to become more competitive ahead of the new campaign.

Basel are open to selling the Super Eagles forward permanently. Having already allowed him to spend the second half of last season on loan, the Swiss champions no longer consider him a key part of their long-term plans and are prepared to sanction a transfer rather than another temporary move.

Lecce, meanwhile, are eager to wrap up negotiations as quickly as possible so Otele can join the squad and settle into his new environment before the Serie A campaign begins.

Basel are reportedly value the winger at around €7 million and if the transfer is completed for that fee, Otele would become one of the most expensive signings in Lecce's history.

A move would also see the 27-year-old join the growing list of Nigerian players heading to Serie A this summer, following in the footsteps of Akor Adams, who also completed a move to Venezia.

The Bundesliga club had been pursuing the 25-year-old throughout the summer and eventually agreed a deal worth around €10 million (₦15.7 billion) plus add-ons with Belgian champions Club Brugge, bringing an end to his four-year spell in Belgium.

Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad were also interested in signing the Super Eagles midfielder, setting up a two-way transfer battle before Frankfurt eventually won the race for his signature.

Onyedika leaves Club Brugge as one of the club's most consistent performers. During his time in Belgium, he won multiple trophies, including the 2025–26 Belgian Pro League title and played a key role in that triumph with a string of impressive performances.

The midfielder ended up with 183 appearances in all competitions for Club Brugge before completing his move to Germany, where he will now be aiming to establish himself in the Bundesliga.

Onyedika: Krosche explains why Frankfurt signed Super Eagles star

With the transfer now completed and Onyedika officially unveiled, the Super Eagles midfielder becomes Eintracht Frankfurt's fourth signing of the summer after Noel Futkeu, Otávio and Aséko Nkili.

Speaking after the player's unveiling, Frankfurt board member of sport Markus Krosche explained that the club had been impressed by several aspects of Onyedika's game, particularly his consistency.

“Raphael Onyedika has not only impressed us with his physicality and strategic understanding of the game, but above all with his extraordinary consistency,” the German said via the club's official website.

Frankfurt are preparing for a new era after last season's disappointment where they finished outside of an European spot, with head coach Adi Hütter returning to lead the club's rebuilding project.

Krosche added that Onyedika's winning mentality, experience and room for development made him an ideal addition to the squad and a key player to lead the club’s rebuild process.

“He has been a regular starter in recent years and has won numerous trophies in Belgium. He also boasts valuable international experience. 

“At 25, he still has great potential and is an important building block in terms of the structure of our squad”, he concluded.

With the move now complete, Onyedika becomes the sixth Nigerian to represent Eintracht Frankfurt and will now be aiming to make a lasting impact at the club.

The 25-year-old is expected to make his unofficial debut against Hull City in a pre-season friendly next weekend before potentially making his competitive debut against St. Tönis 1911/20 in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on August 21.

Echegini also landed herself in trouble during the second half. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder received a yellow card, and because it was her second booking of the tournament, CAF's disciplinary rules triggered an automatic one-match suspension.

The double suspension creates a major challenge for head coach Justin Madugu, who must reshuffle both his defence and midfield against Egypt as Nigeria chase qualification for the knockout rounds.

In central defence, Shukurat Oladipo appears to be the leading candidate to replace Demehin. The AS Roma defender is comfortable in the heart of defence and could partner veteran Osinachi Ohale, especially with Ashleigh Plumptre already unavailable because of injury.

Madugu could also push Christy Ucheibe deeper into defence, a tactical move that briefly worked during the second half against Zambia when Nigeria had to protect their lead with one player fewer.

Replacing Echegini in midfield offers several possibilities. Experienced midfielder Halimatu Ayinde could return to strengthen the middle of the park alongside Ucheibe and Deborah Abiodun, giving Nigeria greater defensive balance.

If Madugu wants more creativity, Toni Payne is well suited to Echegini's advanced midfield role. Payne's dribbling ability, vision and passing could help unlock an Egyptian defence expected to sit deep. Another attacking option is Omorinsola Babajide, whose pace and direct running would allow captain Rasheedat Ajibade to move into a more central playmaking role.

Doping test: Super Falcons star picked

Apart from the suspensions, another Super Falcons star also attracted attention after the Zambia match.

Defender Michelle Alozie underwent a routine random anti-doping test shortly after being named Woman of the Match, according to TheCable. The Chicago Stars FC player delivered one of Nigeria's best individual performances of the tournament, playing the full 90 minutes while switching from right-back to left-back following Demehin's dismissal.

Alozie produced several important clearances, interceptions and tackles as Nigeria successfully defended their one-goal advantage despite playing with 10 women for over half the match.

The mandatory anti-doping procedure meant she remained at the stadium after many of her teammates had left. Speaking afterwards, Alozie confirmed she had undergone the test but remained modest about her performance. Instead of focusing on her individual award, she praised the team's determination and fighting spirit in securing a crucial victory that kept Nigeria's hopes of progressing alive.

With two first-team players suspended and qualification still on the line, Madugu must now rely on the depth of his squad as the Super Falcons prepare for a must-win showdown against Egypt.

The match, played at Saputo Stadium in Montreal, produced four goals in an entertaining contest as both sides continued their push for a strong finish ahead of the MLS playoffs.

Carles Gil's penalty and a goal from Dor Turgeman handed the Revolution a comfortable two-goal lead before the break. However, Montreal responded with an improved second-half display as Brayan Vera and Prince Owusu found the net to earn the hosts a share of the points.

Montreal vs New England Revolution: How the game unfolded

New England Revolution went into the match on the back of an emphatic 4-1 victory over Atlanta United, with Alhassan Yusuf producing two assists in that game. Montreal, meanwhile, had struggled for form and came into the encounter without a win in their previous three matches.

The visitors dominated the opening half and were rewarded in the 30th minute when Efrain Morales handled the ball inside the penalty area.

Gil calmly converted from the spot, sending his effort beyond the reach of the Montreal goalkeeper to give the Revolution the lead.

The advantage was doubled just before half-time when Turgeman was left with a simple tap-in after a well-worked move. The goal sparked a heated confrontation between players from both teams before order was restored, with New England taking a 2-0 lead into the interval.

Montreal returned for the second half with renewed intensity and reduced the deficit just minutes after the restart. Vera found space on the edge of the area and curled a superb strike into the top corner.

The hosts then completed their comeback just before the hour mark when Ghanaian forward Prince Owusu rose highest to head home and make it 2-2.

Both teams pushed for a late winner, but neither could find the breakthrough as the match ended level, with the points shared.

Super Eagles player ratings: How Alhassan Yusuf performed

Yusuf retained his place in New England Revolution's starting lineup, as he continues to show his importance to the team's midfield.

The 26-year-old played 86 minutes and produced another composed display in the middle of the park.

He registered 59 touches, completed 94% of his passes, created one chance, and made five passes into the final third. Defensively, Yusuf also contributed six defensive actions and eight ball recoveries in another impressive outing. 

The Super Eagles midfielder received a 7.1 rating on FotMob for his performance.

New England Revolution will return to action next weekend when they face Houston Dynamo, as they look to get back to winning ways.

Running those programmes requires significant financial resources, making the federation heavily dependent on multiple revenue streams.

The NFF's finances have come into fresh focus following two major developments. First, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced an increase in annual funding for all 54 member associations.

Secondly, FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed a controversial funding model that promised huge financial rewards for member associations before the plan eventually failed to gain the necessary backing.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

While Nigeria stood to benefit significantly if Infantino's proposal had succeeded, the country will continue operating under FIFA's existing Forward Programme alongside CAF's enhanced financial support.

How much money does the NFF get from FIFA?

FIFA remains the NFF's biggest institutional financial source through the FIFA Forward Programme. Launched to improve football development across all 211 member associations, FIFA Forward 3.0 increased global investment by almost 30% for the 2023-2026 cycle.

Under the current programme, every member association, including Nigeria, can access:

• Up to $1.05 million annually to cover football operational costs. [Tickets for players, coaches, staff, hotel bills, feeding and accommodation].
• Additional funding from a $633 million development pool for approved football projects.
• Up to $1.2 million in extra assistance for member associations identified as needing additional support for travel, accommodation and football equipment.

Unlike operational grants, project funding is not automatically paid. Each federation must submit development proposals to FIFA, which evaluates and approves projects before releasing funds.

Over a standard four-year FIFA cycle, the NFF can therefore receive approximately $4.2 million in operational funding alone, excluding any additional project grants approved by FIFA.

How much money does the NFF get from CAF?

Earlier this year, CAF unveiled one of the biggest financial reforms in African football. CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced that each of CAF's 54 member associations will now receive $1 million every year, replacing the previous annual allocation of $200,000.

For the NFF, that means:

• $1 million annually from CAF.
• Approximately $4.2 million over a four-year football cycle.

Motsepe explained that the increase was made possible through the restructuring of CAF competitions and a planned $1 billion commercial tender, with the additional funding aimed at strengthening youth football, women's football, domestic competitions and national teams.

The funding is a fivefold increase on previous allocations and provides financial relief for national associations like Nigeria that operate multiple men's, women's and youth teams throughout the year.

Where else does the NFF get its money?

FIFA and CAF funding are only part of the federation's overall income. The NFF also generates revenue through:

Support from the Federal Government

The Nigerian Federal Government provides public funding and annual allocations to the Nigeria Football Federation through the national budget. These government subventions are typically used to cover administrative costs, operational expenses, and special intervention funds for major international tournaments.

Sponsorships and commercial partnerships

Corporate partners contribute through sponsorship agreements covering the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and federation events. Some of the major brands to have sponsored the Nigerian national football team in the past include:

• Kit Suppliers & Apparel: Nike (official kit supplier since 2015) and Adidas
• Telecommunications: Globacom and Airtel (involved in football promotions/grassroots)
• Food, Beverage & Candy: Coca-Cola (official soft drink partner), Peak Milk (official milk sponsor), and TomTom (official candy sponsor)
• Alcoholic Beverages: STAR Lager, Goldberg, Life Continental, and Guinness
• Financial Services: Aiteo Group, Zenith Bank, and WAPIC Insurance

Competition prize money

The NFF also benefits from prize money earned through participation in competitions such as:

• Africa Cup of Nations
• FIFA World Cup
• CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations
• FIFA youth competitions

The deeper Nigeria progresses in these tournaments, the higher the financial returns.

Broadcasting and commercial rights

Although domestic football broadcasting remains an area with significant room for growth in Nigeria, commercial agreements also contribute to the federation's revenue.

How does the NFF spend its money?

Running Nigerian football involves substantial expenditure across multiple areas. The federation's major costs include:

Super Eagles and Super Falcons

Preparing senior national teams requires funding for:

• International flights
• Hotels
• Training camps
• Match logistics
• Medical support
• Feeding

Player bonuses and allowances

Winning bonuses, appearance fees and camp allowances account for a significant portion of expenditure during international windows.

Coaches and technical staff

The federation pays salaries for national team coaches, assistants, analysts, medical personnel and technical departments.

Youth national teams

Nigeria, across the women's and men's teams, regularly competes in:

• U-17 tournaments
• U-20 competitions
• U-23 events

Funding these teams includes scouting, camps and international travel.

Football development

Grassroots football, referee education, coaching courses and youth development programmes are also funded through federation resources, particularly those supported by FIFA Forward and CAF grants.

Administration

Like every football association, the NFF must also finance its day-to-day operations, including staff salaries, office expenses, governance and regulatory responsibilities.

Why the NFF's finances matter

Financial stability often determines how effectively national teams prepare for major tournaments.

Issues such as unpaid bonuses, delayed camping arrangements and logistical challenges have become a norm in Nigerian football for over three decades. Increased support from FIFA and CAF should have reduced the recurrence of some of these problems, but prudent financial management remains equally important.

Just a few years ago, Arsenal legend Ian Wright called out the NFF for failing to pay the Super Falcons before the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia.

Although Nigeria will not benefit from Infantino's proposed $40 million package after the plan failed to gain approval, the federation still receives millions of dollars annually from FIFA and CAF.

Combined with government support, sponsorships and competition revenues, those funds provide the financial foundation for Nigerian football.

The bigger challenge now is ensuring those resources are managed efficiently enough to help the Super Eagles, Super Falcons and Nigeria's next generation compete consistently with the world's best teams.

Barbra Banda and Rachael Kundananji repeatedly tested Nigeria's defence, but the Super Falcons remained disciplined. Every clearance, tackle and interception became crucial as the African champions protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle.

The victory breathed new life into Nigeria's campaign with the Super Falcons needing a win against Egypt to advance to the quarter finals.

Super Falcons best performers: Alozie and Oshoala lead Nigeria's fight

Michelle Alozie delivered one of the finest performances of her international career and deservedly walked away with the CAF Woman of the Match award.

Starting at right-back, Alozie's responsibility increased after Demehin's dismissal. She covered huge areas of the pitch, won important one-on-one battles and helped frustrate two of Africa's most dangerous forwards in Banda and Kundananji.

Her speed, positioning and calm decision-making allowed Nigeria to survive wave after wave of Zambian attacks. The Chicago Stars FC defender switched to left-back midway through the second half after Rofiat Imuran was withdrawn. Still, the 29-year-old full-back never stopped running, tackling and defending expertly.

Oshoala also reminded everyone why she remains one of Nigeria's most accomplished legends. Restored to the starting lineup after missing out against Malawi, she repaid the coach's faith within eight minutes by scoring the only goal of the game.

Her goal came from relentless pressing rather than individual brilliance. She forced confusion between Zambia's defenders and goalkeeper before finishing confidently. The strike was also her 15th career WAFCON goal, strengthening her place among the competition's greatest goalscorers.

After Nigeria went down to 10 players, Oshoala sacrificed her attacking game. Instead of searching for more goals, she battled alone up front, held up possession whenever possible and won valuable seconds that helped ease pressure on her exhausted teammates before being substituted late in the match.

Worst performer: Demehin's red card nearly changed everything

Oluwatosin Demehin endured a night she will want to forget despite Nigeria claiming all three points. From the opening minutes, she struggled to cope with the pace and movement of Barbra Banda, who constantly threatened to run behind Nigeria's defence.

Before her dismissal, Demehin had already escaped punishment following a VAR review that ruled Zambia offside in the build-up to another challenge on Banda. It served as a warning, but the defender failed to adjust her approach.

Her decisive mistake came in the 40th minute when she shoved Banda as the striker raced through on goal. The referee, after a VAR review, showed a straight red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

The sending-off forced Nigeria to partially abandon their attacking plans and spend the remainder of the match defending with 10 players. Although her teammates produced a heroic defensive display to protect Oshoala's early goal, Demehin's dismissal made what could have been a comfortable evening into a tense battle for survival.

In the end, Nigeria celebrated an important victory, but the result owed much more to the resilience of Alozie, Oshoala and the rest of the team than to the contribution of the dismissed defender.

Nigeria 1-0 Zambia: Oshoala comes up trumps

The Green and Whites headed into today's clash on the back of a shocking loss to Malawi in the Group C opener, while Zambia cruised to a 6-0 win over Egypt.

Justine Madugu made four changes to the side that started against Malawi, bringing in Uchenna Kanu, Asisat Oshoala, Deborah Abiodun and Christy Ucheibe.

That decision paid off just minutes into the game as Oshoala came close to breaking the deadlock after a pass from Jennifer Echegini sent her through on goal, but she pushed the ball way too forward.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

The move repeated itself in the 8th minute, and the Al-Hilal Women's striker put the ball into the back of the net after it ricocheted off Zambia's goalkeeper Hazel Neli.

The big talking point: Demehin's controversial red card

Nigeria's night took a wrong turn in the 40th minute after Centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin was sent off for a shove on Zambia's Barbra Banda. A VAR Check initially kicked off in the 34th minute after it appeared the Galatasaray defender stood in Banda's way.

A few minutes later, Kenyan referee Josephine Wanjiku walked to the screen to review the incident and, after making her decision, gave Demehin her marching orders.

With the Super Falcons down to ten men, the midfield battle became a scrappy affair as they disrupted Zambia's flow.

Coach Justine Madugu brought on Shukurat Oladipo in the 50th minute, before following up by bringing on Halimatu Ayinde and Chiwendu Ihezuo, taking off Asisat Oshoala, Rofiat Imuran and Deborah Abiodun as the record Champions held on to their slender lead.

Esther Okoronkwo replaced Uchenna Kanu with ten minutes left on the clock as Zambia began to throw numbers forward.

Zambia had their final chance on a counterattack in the 92nd minute, but Kundananji's cross missed Banda's hair by a whisker, giving Nnadozie room to breathe again before the referee blew the final whistle three minutes later.

The bigger picture: Egypt next for the Super Falcons

After falling to the theatrics of the Chawinga sisters, Justine Madugu's side secured their first three points of the WAFCON 2026 against the Copper Queens.

With Malawi already top of the group with six points, Nigeria's next game against Egypt is a must-win, as a draw might see Zambia climb above the Super Falcons in Group C on goal difference.

Also, they'll be without Jennifer Echegini and Demehin for their final group game. There's good news for Nigeria, though.

Egypt have a very porous defence, as they've conceded nine goals, while their attack hasn't been of much help either, scoring one goal in two games. They have no chance of going through, which could make them very motivated to drag the 10-time African Champions with them.

Follow Super Falcons of Nigeria vs Zambia live here:

Kick-off at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat is set for 9:00 p.m. Nigerian time, and we will bring you every key moment as it happens.

Justin Madugu's side arrive under serious pressure after a shock 3-2 opening defeat to WAFCON debutants Malawi, a result that ended Nigeria's long unbeaten record against tournament newcomers.

Zambia, by contrast, arrive full of confidence after a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Egypt, with captain Barbra Banda scoring four of those goals herself.

Nigeria remain without defender Ashleigh Plumptre through injury, and there is added selection pressure in goal, with some supporters calling for Comfort Erhabor to replace Nnadozie after the Malawi defeat.

History favours the Super Falcons, who have won three of the four meetings between the sides and scored 15 goals to Zambia's one across those encounters, including a 5-0 win the last time they met at the 2024 WAFCON.

Zambia's emergence as a genuine continental force means this meeting promises to be far closer than that record suggests, with the Copper Queens eager to avenge last year's heavy defeat.

Stay with us for team news, build-up and live updates as Madugu and Zambia's coaching staff put their sides to the test.

The club's confidence is backed by Osimhen's incredible form in Istanbul. Since joining permanently, the Nigerian international has scored 59 goals and provided 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions. Those numbers helped Galatasaray win back-to-back Turkish Süper Lig titles and establish themselves as regular challengers in European football.

Osimhen has also become a huge Istanbul fan favourite. His energetic style, leadership and decisive goals have made him the face of Galatasaray's ambitious sporting project under coach Okan Buruk.

Arsenal's search continues as Osimhen remains happy in Istanbul

Arsenal's interest in Osimhen is not new. Sporting director Andrea Berta had previously visited Istanbul to monitor the Nigerian forward and discuss the possibility of a future transfer.

The renewed approach comes after questions emerged over Gyökeres' adaptation following his expensive move from Sporting CP in 2025. While the Swedish forward has shown flashes of quality, Arsenal are believed to want an even more clinical striker capable of leading their attack in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Yet convincing Galatasaray, who recently fixed a major financial problem for Osimhen, to sell remains extremely difficult. The Nigerian signed a permanent four-year contract in July 2025 that runs until June 2029. The agreement is reportedly the biggest financial package ever handed to a player in Turkish football, with earnings worth about €21 million net per season through salary, loyalty bonuses and image-rights payments.

Galatasaray also paid Napoli €75 million to complete the transfer, with the Italian club retaining a 10% sell-on clause for any future profit. In addition, a special agreement prevents Galatasaray from selling Osimhen back to an Italian club before 2027 without facing a heavy financial penalty.

Despite constant transfer speculation, Osimhen has shown no signs of forcing a move. He recently held positive discussions with coach Okan Buruk and club executives before returning for pre-season training. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported that everything remains under control regarding the striker's future.

Although Osimhen has never hidden his long-term ambition of playing in the Premier League, he is understood to be happy in Istanbul and willing to continue leading Galatasaray unless an English club presents an exceptional sporting and financial proposal.

Football funding has become a major talking point again after FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposed a controversial $20 billion commercial plan that promised significantly higher payouts for member associations.

While the proposal ultimately failed to secure enough backing to be implemented, it reignited discussions about how much national federations, including the NFF, actually receive every year.

Beyond sponsorships, broadcasting revenue and government support, FIFA and CAF funding plays a central role in helping the NFF finance the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, youth national teams, grassroots football, coaching programmes and infrastructure projects.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

How much does the NFF receive from FIFA?

Through the FIFA Forward Programme, Nigeria receives funding designed to support football development, operational costs and long-term projects.

FIFA Forward 3.0, launched in January 2023, increased football development investment by almost 30% compared to previous cycles while strengthening oversight on how member associations spend the funds.

Under the current programme, every FIFA member association can access:

• Up to $1.05 million (₦1.43 billion) annually to cover operational costs related to football activities.
• Access to development funding from a global pool of $633 million for approved football projects.
• Additional assistance of up to $1.2 million for federations identified as requiring extra support for travel, accommodation and football equipment.

The project funding is not distributed automatically. Instead, national associations submit development proposals that FIFA evaluates before releasing funds.

Over the years, FIFA Forward has financed stadium renovations, technical centres, youth academies, women's football initiatives, VAR implementation and football infrastructure across several countries, demonstrating how the programme extends beyond direct cash grants.

For the NFF, the operational funding alone amounts to approximately $4.2 million (₦5.73 bn) over a four-year FIFA cycle before any approved development projects are considered.

How much does the NFF receive from CAF?

CAF recently introduced one of the biggest funding increases in African football history.

Under reforms announced by CAF president Patrice Motsepe, every one of CAF's 54 member associations, including Nigeria, will now receive $1 million annually, replacing the previous allocation of $200,000.

The increase is designed to strengthen youth football, women's football, domestic competitions and national teams while helping federations improve their long-term financial planning.

For the NFF, this means:

• $1 million (₦1.36bn) every year from CAF.
• Approximately $4 million (₦5.45bn) over a standard four-year cycle.

This funding comes separately from prize money earned through competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations, CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup and Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Combined with FIFA Forward operational support, the NFF now has access to approximately ₦2.8bn annually.

How much would the NFF have received under Infantino's $20bn proposal?

Infantino's proposal would have transformed football funding worldwide. The FIFA president proposed selling a minority stake in FIFA's commercial rights to outside investors, creating what was called FIFA Forward Enterprise.

If approved, every member association, including Nigeria, would have become eligible for:

• $20 million (₦27.18bn) through an expanded FIFA Forward programme.
• Another $20 million through a new one-off “Fast Forward” initiative.

In total, each federation could have accessed up to $40 million from January 2027.

Infantino also projected that over three funding cycles spanning 12 years, federations could receive approximately $86 million, compared to just $3 million received before he became President.

For the NFF, it would have been the single biggest financial injection ever received from FIFA, having already gotten backing from former President Amaju Pinnick.

Why Nigeria will not receive the additional money

Despite the financial incentives, Infantino's proposal generated significant opposition. Several football stakeholders argued that selling part of FIFA's commercial rights to private investors would fundamentally alter the governance of world football.

UEFA emerged as the strongest opponent, accusing FIFA of attempting to pressure associations into supporting the proposal by tying future funding to their votes.

The proposal ultimately failed to gather the level of support required for implementation, meaning the additional funding package will not be introduced.

Importantly, CAF did not publicly lead the opposition. Many African federations viewed the proposal differently because of the enormous financial benefits it promised for developing football nations.

As a result, FIFA's existing Forward programme remains in place, while CAF's newly announced annual $1 million grant continues to provide a substantial boost for African football associations.

What this means for Nigerian football

Although the proposed $40 million windfall will not materialise, Nigerian football remains in a stronger financial position than it was just a few years ago.

The combination of FIFA Forward funding and CAF's increased annual allocation provides the NFF with millions of dollars every year to invest in:

• The Super Eagles and Super Falcons.
• Youth national teams.
• Women's football.
• Grassroots development.
• Coaching education.
• Football infrastructure.
• Administrative operations.

Whether those resources translate into improved performances on the pitch, however, depends less on the amount received and more on how effectively the federation plans, manages and invests the money.

For many Nigerian football stakeholders, the challenge is no longer simply securing funding; it is ensuring every dollar contributes meaningfully to the long-term development of the beautiful game.

If properly accounted for, issues like delayed payments for coaches and players would cease to exist, while there would be visible infrastructure across every tier of football.

The 30-year-old departed the Chilli Boys after the AFCON 2025 outing with Nigeria in Morocco, with both agreeing to mutually terminate his contract. However, he was re-signed last month, with his internal mental battles becoming public following the death of his parents.

The Nigerian shot-stopper was the standout performer at the King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, earning a remarkable 9.1 player rating per Fotmob, after frustrating Golden Arrows throughout the contest, the highest of any player on the pitch.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

While the scoreline ended 0-0, Nwabali's contribution was arguably the biggest reason Chippa United left Durban with a valuable away point.

Soccernet.ng breaks down the major factors that justified the Super Eagles goalkeeper's outstanding rating.

Nwabali's shot-stopping kept Chippa United in the contest

The most obvious reason behind Nwabali's 9.1 rating was his work between the posts. The former Enyimba International made six saves, thwarting all of the attempts on goal from the Backheel boys.

Golden Arrows had the lion's share of possession and the most shots in the game, but Nwabali stood firm to keep his first clean sheet of the season.

Goalkeeper ratings are often heavily influenced by decisive interventions, and every important save increased Nwabali's match impact. Rather than making routine stops, the Nigerian dealt calmly with opportunities that could easily have changed the outcome.

His command of the penalty area brought stability

Beyond making saves, Nwabali organised Chippa United's defensive structure throughout the match. The Super Eagles goalkeeper was vocal with his backline, claimed crosses confidently and reacted quickly to loose balls inside the penalty area.

The one-time NPFL Champion made three high claims, three clearances and 12 ball recoveries. While his passing (65% accuracy) wasn't as crisp, it is a step in the right direction, as the display shows he's trusted to help his team build up from the back

Having only recently returned to Chippa United after months away, the 30-year-old immediately demonstrated why the club moved to bring him back. His leadership helped keep the defensive line compact and prevented unnecessary panic.

Ultimately, goalkeepers are judged on results, and Nwabali finished the afternoon with a clean sheet. For a Chippa United that finished four points above relegation last season, they'll be looking to begin the new PSL season positively.

Avoiding defeat away from home represented an encouraging start. The draw owed much to Nwabali's consistency over 90 minutes.

While outfield players shared responsibility for the defensive effort, the Super Eagles goalkeeper delivered the decisive moments whenever Golden Arrows threatened, particularly after his double save to deny Ronaldo Van Neel just before the hour mark.

His 9.1 rating reflected far more than one spectacular save. It rewarded an all-round goalkeeping display built on shot-stopping, positioning, distribution and composure.

With a point from their opening game, Chippa United will play in front of their fans against Richards Bay on August 11.

​The CAF Awards is the biggest and most prestigious football awards ceremony on the continent. As it stands, only six Super Eagles players (past and present) have won the coveted prize.

​The last time Nigeria hosted the event was for the 2016 edition, which took place in January 2017 in Abuja. It was held at the International Conference Centre. Riyad Mahrez and Asisat Oshoala carted away the men's and women's Player of the Year (POTY) awards that year.

​Since then, Nigeria has not hosted the ceremony. However, reports have now emerged that the event will be held at the newly transformed Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos.

​This announcement is a significant milestone for Nigerian football, coming at a time when the country is also set to welcome the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in October.

​Can Victor Osimhen or Ademola Lookman Win the CAF POTY?

​Aside from the fact that winning the hosting rights is a win for Nigeria, the occasion could become even sweeter for Osimhen and Lookman if they get the chance to lift the ultimate individual prize in front of their home fans.

​Both Super Eagles forwards are expected to be among the top contenders when CAF unveils its shortlist for the Men's Player of the Year award.

​Osimhen enjoyed a very good season in front of goal, racking up 22 goals and eight assists in 33 games. He secured the league title with Galatasaray and stood out as one of the most lethal performers in the Champions League.

​Meanwhile, Lookman continued to impress with stellar displays for both club and country, following his historic win of the prestigious CAF POTY in 2024. After joining Atlético Madrid in January, he established himself as one of the league's standout players, registering nine goals and four assists in 24 matches.

​The pair also featured prominently in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Best XI earlier this year after inspiring Nigeria to a third-place finish.

​However, they will face fierce competition from other stellar names, including Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, Yan Diomande, and Bryan Mbeumo.

​Aside from the Men's Player of the Year, the ceremony will also spotlight winners for the Women's Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year. The date is yet to be confirmed, but it will likely be in December.